Ever wondered how to turn a bootstrapped idea into a continent-wide success story? Join us as we chat with Mutethia Mbaabu, also known as Tesh, the dynamic co-founder of MarketForce that now heads Chpter.ai.
Tesh walks us through his humble beginnings, sharing how his entrepreneurial spark was ignited by his mother's law firm and how he self-taught tech skills before diving into computer science at the University of Nairobi. His journey underscores the invaluable lessons learned from offering services at discounted rates and the importance of building a solid foundation, even if it means working for free at first.

Marketforce's story is one of resilience and strategic growth, transitioning from a bootstrapped app to a key player in digitizing order collection processes across Africa. Tesh gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how early funding and participation in YCombinator accelerated their growth, highlighting the role incubators and accelerators play in providing crucial exposure and resources. We also discuss the broader need for a mature ecosystem where startups can thrive through diverse pathways, such as mergers and acquisitions, rather than relying solely on incubator programs.

Tesh doesn't shy away from discussing the tough times, including navigating funding challenges and the pressures from investors. He shares the emotional toll of managing a business under financial strain and the importance of maintaining profitability. In a candid reflection, Tesh not only shares his experience of closing down MarketForce but also outlines the resilience required to bounce back from setbacks and introduces us to his latest venture, Chpter. Drawing from his experiences with MarketForce, Tesh is now shaping the future of conversational commerce. This episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to learn from one of Africa's most innovative minds.

Links:
E-Commerce startup MarketForce shuts down RejaReja distribution unit
The next chpter
Chpter secures $ 1.2m pre-seed funding

For more information on Push visit www.push.africa

In this engaging podcast episode, the founding team of Push Venture Capital delves into the world of AI.

Located in Silicon Valley, Bangalore, and Nairobi, the conversation offers diverse perspectives on AI developments. The team discusses how AI is being perceived in these different regions, providing unique insights into global trends and local nuances.

They explore critical topics, including the cost, value, and various applications of AI. The discussion covers the complexities of training data, the mysterious "black box" phenomenon where AI processes are not fully understood, and the importance of accountability for AI outcomes.

The rapid progress of AI technology and its specific implications within the African context are also examined. The team highlights both the opportunities and challenges that come with AI advancements in this region.

Gain a deeper understanding of how our team perceives AI and their views on its true benefits. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI and its impact on different parts of the world.

Links:
Set up your own private GPT
Nvidia
Google i/o
GPT-4o

For more information on Push visit www.push.africa

Episode Focus:

AI Insights: Unboxing the Future

- Cost, value and application
- Training data, black box and accountability
- Rapid progress and African context

Description: In this episode of "PushYourAdvantage" we delve deep into the intricate world of Artificial Intelligence. Join our experts as they dissect the cost, value, and real-world applications of AI, shedding light on its transformative potential. Explore the complexities surrounding training data, the enigmatic black box, and the critical issue of accountability in AI systems. We also uncover the rapid progress of AI, and its implications in the unique context of the African landscape. Tune in to "AI Insights: Unboxing the Future" for a compelling exploration of AI's impact on our world.

For more information on Push visit www.push.africa